Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1887-01-23
CELEBRITIES AT HOME.
Honorable Leland Stanford, Senator
from California; Home in
Nashington-In the Study.
How the wealthiest Member of the Sen
ate Liyes-Fine Stables and Blooded
Horses Country Scat.
correspondence Of the Gazette.

Correspondence of the Gazette.
WASHINGTON, Jan. l9.-Fronting on
Farragut square and situated on ter
race somewhat above the level OF the
street is handsome row of three houses
extending from Seventeenth street to
Connecticut avenue. In one of the
houses lives Baron Charles de Strive, in
another Congressman W. L. Scott OF
Pennsylvania, and in the remaining one
resides Senator Leland Stanford. The
situation is one of the most beautiful and
fashionable at the capital. In summer it
is extremely lovely, for then the flowers
and shrubs and trees in the square across
the way are in bloom and add their lovely
color TO the picture.
The houses in this row have had quite
little history. They were built in the
DAYS when Washington was undergoing
rehabilitation under the governorship of
Alexander S. Shepherd, and he built
them in the halcyon days of his pros
perity, before that later era of congress
sional investigation committees. Gov.
Shepherds affairs became so entangled
that he had to leave Washington, and the
disc to him. When he eXiled himself TO
Mexico, Senator Cameron stepped into
possession of the premises and had as his
nearest neighbor Brady of Star Route
fame. After Cameron built residence for
himself and Brady had fallen by
the weyside, the Chinese govern
ment came into possession aud
used the mansion for legation
10 hn
splendid mansion known as Stewart cas-
Tie the present occupants took possession.
And never since they were erected have
the houses heen the center of SO much
gayety. The Russian minister is hand
some entertainer Congressman Scott is
one of the most prominent figures in the
social and political life of he'capital, and
the subject of this sketch draws with I'M
sparing hand from his fortune Of S5,000,-
eco. When Senator Stanford comes to
the city al the beginning OF q session he
deposits $50, 600 at q local bank and he
and his vile check against it for their per-
s0n2I expenses. II anything remains at
the end Of the season, which rarely hap
pens it is left as 3 nest egg for the next
years expenses.
Ascending the two short flights of steps
porch, we are ushered into the house.
the vestibule and hall are richly carpeted
and hung with artistic tapestries. OIe
of the first OBJECTS one notices upon en-
term. the house is a beautiful hat stand
and mirror that would ornament the pal
ace of any king IN Cnristendom. II is
made entirely Of beautiful native Califor-
mia woods, and no less than forty Varie-
i -.
also be said that the character of thisS
piece of furniture gives one general idea
OF the contents of the house. Senator
Stanford is greatly attachel to the Pacific
slope and III his hOWe there is great
deal to remind one of the Golden State.
On the walls are photographs and paint
inGs of many friends in the West, and the
oil and water colOrs are almost all dis
tinctivciy Californian in their treatment
and subjects.
Leaving the hall and turning into the
doorway to the right, | entered the Ii
brgry. But the room could hardly be
CAN'T q library, fer there are very few
books on the shelves and tables. 1t
might rather be called 6 study and work
shop, for here the millionaire has his
desk, and trapsacts all his business while
of books, and is in no sense student.
He is rather q man of affairs, OF the pres
cnt. Newspapers, of which he is great
reader, pamphlets and documents of ev-
cry description are scattered all about
the desk, and the morning mail lies IN
opened on 4 table. The mail is very large
enc, and like that of every other very rich
man, great proportion of it consists OF
fr, in, If
assistance. But very few Of these letters
ever reach the eye OF the senator. His
secretary resds them, and those which he
thinks are of sufficient importance are
read to Mr.. Stanford. The master of the
house spends most Of his time when ut
nome in his study. The habits of
both he and his wife are very simple
and transformations The household is
astir as early as $ in the morning, and
before breakfast is generally over. MI.
Stanford then goes to his study and
works steadily until nearly - O'Clock,
when he is interrupted by servant, who !
announces that his carriage is al the doorsl
He is then driven to the capital, and is
nearly always in his seat before the SaFel
of President Sherman calls the senate to
order.
into the parlurs. The rooms are furnished
ia blue and gold, and contrast strikingly
with the rather somber portieres that di-
vide them. These pOrtieres are very
marvels OF artistic needle work, and ere
perhaps the finest specimens of the needle
woman's skill TO be found in Warrington.
On background Of the finest plush are
worked fantastic figures after a Chinese
design in gold. All about the walls are
rare and costly specimens of japanese
and Chinese embroidery, relics OF the
senator's life in California. The most
object III the room is
magnificent Roman vase, in which q
splendid palm tree is growing. On each
side OF this vase are smaller ones OF
sevres ware, mounted on gold pedestGls.
Opposite the vase stand is an antique
cabinet, in which is valuable collection
OF cuTios and bric-a-Drac. Mounted on
an. easel snd beautifully framed, is g pic
ture of Mr.. and Mrs Stanford AMI their
sou, the late Leland Stanford, ia. In the
parors and library, and in fact all over
the house, you come upon the picturesrof
the son: over the drawing-rOOm dooC
there is very finely executed crayou
portrait Of him. executed when he was
abeut eighteen years of age, or just be
lore his death. The family seen never
10 have recovered from the grief Occa-
stoned by his death, and an air of sadness !
seems to hang a6out the magnificent
rooms. i
Leaving the residence we stroll around |
to the stables in which the senator prides |
himself Almost every man has his !
hobby, but very few of us are endowed !
with the means TO enjoy them if they hap |
oeu to be expensive. Stanford, however,
S one OF the few fortunates. He has g
hobby and that hobby is the love OF blood
I'd horses. His new Washington stable IS